Along the Light Rail

Fun times in downtown Phoenix

A view of downtown Phoenix. Photo by Daily Ben staff member Doug Shack.

Posted April 11, 2024

By Doug Shack • Daily Ben staff writer

Downtown Phoenix is a vibrant and bustling area that is home to a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, entertainment options, sports, and living the life in high-rises.

One of the standout destinations in downtown Phoenix is the Phoenix Art Museum, which is conveniently located near the light rail line.

The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States and houses an impressive collection of more than 18,000 works of art. The museum features a diverse range of artwork, including contemporary works, American art, European art, fashion design, and photography.

Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, attend special exhibitions, and participate in educational programs and events. The museum also offers guided tours, workshops, and lectures for visitors of all ages.

Located just a short walk from the light rail line, the Phoenix Art Museum is easily accessible for visitors arriving by public transportation. This makes it a convenient and popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In addition to the museum, downtown Phoenix offers a wide range of dining options, shopping opportunities, and entertainment venues. Visitors can explore historic buildings, attend live performances, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic urban center.

Venues include the Footprint Center, Chase Field, Phoenix Symphony Hall, and Herberger Theater Center, which are all along the light rail.

Doug Shack is currently a senior at Benedictine University Mesa and is looking to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. Doug is also an artist who primarily tackles real world issues. Contact him at Douglas_shack@ben.edu.

An historical picture of Pioneer Park in Mesa from the 1970s. The park is near Main Street and Mesa Drive.

Fun and food at Pioneer Park

Posted April 2, 2024

By Doug Shack • Daily Ben staff writer

Pioneer Park in Mesa, Arizona, is renowned for its extensive recreational amenities and historical significance.

Its distinguishing features include:

Historical significance: Pioneer Park boasts historical structures, including a replica of the original Mesa City Hall and a steam-powered tractor, providing visitors with a glimpse into Mesa’s past.

Size and variety: Covering over 50 acres, Pioneer Park offers a vast array of amenities, such as playgrounds, splash pads, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and picnic areas, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups.

Unique attractions: The park is home to unique attractions like the Pioneer Village, featuring historic buildings and artifacts, and the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, showcasing the remnants of an ancient Hohokam village.

Natural beauty: With its lush greenery, mature trees, and well-maintained landscaping, Pioneer Park provides a picturesque setting for leisure activities and relaxation.

Community events: The park hosts various community events, festivals, and concerts throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and bringing people together. Overall, Pioneer Park stands out for its combination of historical significance, diverse recreational amenities, and natural beauty, making it a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike.

Families can gather at Pioneer Park for a fun day out, enjoying the open green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas available for play and relaxation. The park also features a splash pad, perfect for cooling off on hot Arizona days. With its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, Pioneer Park is a popular spot for families to come together and create lasting memories.

The addition of food trucks adds to the appeal of Pioneer Park, giving visitors the opportunity to try new and exciting culinary creations while enjoying the park’s amenities. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, you can find a variety of delicious options to satisfy your cravings. Overall, Pioneer Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and flavorful day out in Mesa.

The park is located at 526 E. Main St., Mesa, and accessible along the light rail.

The tour of the lake by Joe Grana. Video by the City of Tempe.

Adventure around The Lake

Posted April 2, 2024

By Doug Shack • Daily Ben staff writer

Tempe Town Lake is a beautiful and vibrant area in Tempe, Arizona, that is perfect for walking and cycling.

The lake itself spans over two miles long and offers a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities. The paved paths that surround the lake are ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, providing a safe and enjoyable way to get some exercise while taking in the stunning views of the water and surrounding city.

In addition to being a great spot for physical activity, Tempe Town Lake also hosts a variety of events and concerts throughout the year. The lakefront stage at Tempe Beach Park is a popular venue for outdoor concerts, festivals, and other entertainment events. From local bands to national acts, there is always something exciting happening at the lake. Concert-goers can enjoy live music with a picturesque view of the water and city skyline, creating a unique and memorable experience.

Tempe Town Lake is also gearing up for the AIDS Walk on April 6.

The history of the lake was created in the late 1990s by damming a portion of the Salt River, which flows through the Phoenix metropolitan area. The project was a major undertaking that transformed a dry riverbed into a picturesque body of water that has since become a focal point for the community.

Today, Tempe Town Lake hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and water sports competitions. The lake is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, from ducks and geese to herons and turtles, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Overall, Tempe Town Lake is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to unwind, a scenic spot for outdoor exercise, or a vibrant hub of community activity, this urban gem has something to offer everyone.

For more information about the upcoming events, visit Upcoming Tempe Events | Tempe Tourism. The lake is accessible along the light rail.

Looking for Easter plans?

Posted March 26, 2024

By Chris Kissling • Daily Ben staff writer

Starting today, March 26, the Mesa Temple is providing a free outdoor musical dramatization of “Mesa Easter Pageant: Jesus the Christ.”

This event about the Easter story will take place through Saturday (Easter eve). The show begins at 8 p.m and will be at 455 E. Main St. in downtown Mesa.

You’ll be able to take the light rail, which has a stop at Mesa Drive/Main Street, where you’ll walk a short distance to the event.

The show’s music will be featured on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and Amazon Music. The behind-the-scenes footage will also be posted and available to watch on the KSL YouTube channel.

For those who are Spanish speaking, 400 headphones will be available for Spanish translation. You can also go inside the visitor center, where you can see the costumes used along with a mural of the cast and stage.

For more information, you can visit the website https://mesatemple.org/easter/.

Chris Kissling is a communications major at Benedictine University and plays on the volleyball team. Contact him at christopher_kissling@ben.edu.

The writer after a recent haircut.

Need your ears lowered? Check out this hairstylist

Posted March 14, 2024

By Doug Shack • Daily Ben staff writer

You are 10 minutes away from looking like a brand-new person.

Redd’s Barbersalon is known in Tempe for its exceptional service and skilled barbers who provide top-notch haircuts.

With its inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, Redd’s offers more than just a haircut; it provides a memorable experience as this writer can attest.

The barbers are attentive to detail, ensuring that each client receives a personalized haircut tailored to their preferences. Moreover, the shop maintains a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, creating a comfortable environment for customers.

Whether you’re looking for a classic cut or a trendy style, Redd’s Barbersalon delivers quality results that keep clients coming back for more.

Standard prices range from $25 to $40, depending on the haircut you are getting. Deluxe treatments will cost extra.

The shop is located near Mill Avenue and Broadway Road at 524 W. Broadway Road, Tempe.

For more information, visit them at Redd’s Barbersalon.

Photo by Daily Ben staff member Doug Shack.

Enjoy a spring break adventure at this theme park

Posted Feb. 27, 2024

By Doug Shack • Daily Ben staff writer

Castle and Coasters off Interstate 17 is the epitome of a fun-filled, relaxing, and action-packed theme park, making it an ideal destination for spring break adventures suitable for all ages. With its diverse array of attractions, it offers an experience that caters to everyone’s tastes and preferences.

For thrill-seekers, Castle and Coasters boasts an impressive selection of adrenaline-pumping rides, including roller coasters that twist, turn, and loop, providing heart-pounding excitement. These rides are perfect for those seeking an exhilarating experience.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the park offers serene attractions such as mini-golf courses set amid lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy some quality time with family and friends while soaking in the warm Arizona sun.

Furthermore, Castle and Coasters features a vibrant arcade filled with classic and modern games, appealing to gamers of all ages. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, the arcade provides hours of entertainment and friendly competition, making it a must-visit destination.

The park’s family-friendly atmosphere and diverse range of attractions ensure that visitors of all ages can create lasting memories together. Whether it’s enjoying the thrill of the rides, exploring the arcade, or simply basking in the joy of being surrounded by loved ones, Castle and Coasters offers something special for everyone. It’s the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and excitement, making it a top choice for families and friends seeking a memorable experience.

Admission to the northwest Phoenix park, which is accessible by Valley Metro light rail and bus, costs between $7 and $60. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week. For more information, go to the website.

The urban hike in Tempe. Photo by Arizona State University.

‘A’ for adventurer in Tempe

Posted Feb. 13, 2024

By Doug Shack • Daily Ben staff writer

The shift in the weather has been causing people all over Arizona to go back outside. With this shift in the weather, people are going on hikes, trail biking and camping. However, there is a closer area that is right off the light rail in Tempe.

“A” Mountain is a perfect place to get the best views and hikes that pique the adventurers. It’s located in the heart of the Valley and is home to the Sun Devils’ Stadium, located in the college town of Tempe.

Snooze A.M. Eatery is the perfect place to refuel after an exhilarating hike on A Mountain in Tempe. With its unbeatable combination of delicious food and a welcoming ambiance, Snooze is the ideal spot to satisfy your appetite and unwind.

The menu at Snooze Eatery caters to all taste preferences, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful dishes. Whether you crave hearty pancakes, savory omelets, or innovative breakfast creations, Snooze has it all. Their diverse menu ensures that everyone can find something they love, making it a fantastic choice for post-hike nourishment.

Aside from its mouthwatering food, Snooze offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The warm decor and relaxed setting create a comfortable space where you can recharge and share stories of your hiking adventures with friends or family. The friendly and attentive staff enhance your dining experience, making you feel like a valued guest every time you visit.

Convenience is another standout feature of Snooze Eatery as it is near A Mountain. After a long hike, you will appreciate not having to travel far to refuel. You can easily access Snooze either on foot or by car, saving you time and energy. This proximity allows you to maximize your post-hike relaxation.

For more information, visit the restaurant at its website.

The eatery is located at 615 S. College Ave.

Photo courtesy of MLB.com.

Dominic Fletcher makes debut for D-Backs

Posted May 4, 2023

By Justin Williamson • Daily Ben staff writer

The Diamondbacks called up their young star Dominic Fletcher to the big leagues.

He spent 4 years in the minor leagues after getting the call to head to Colorado to make his debut for the D-Backs against the Rockies on April 30.

In his second at-bat, he hit a double for his first career hit.

The D-Backs have high hopes this year as they charge for the lead in the NL West and their young stars rise in the big leagues.

Get cheap tickets for this weekend and check out these young stars as they face the Washington Nationals. For tickets, visit StubHub.

Justin Williamson is a communications major, and he plays baseball at BenU. His hobbies are pretty much anything outdoors, and he loves spending time with his family. Contact him at justin_williamson@ben.edu.

Photo by Daily Ben staff member Noah Thompson.

D-Backs atop the NL West

Posted on April 11, 2023

By Noah Thompson • Daily Ben staff writer

The Arizona Diamondbacks are on a roll.

The D-Backs are currently 7-4 and in first place in the NL West.

The D-Backs tickets are very cheap with a starting price of just $12. The D-Backs are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase field April 11 at 6:40 p.m. and April 12 at 12:40 p.m. This time last year, the D-Backs were struggling just to get a win, but now they are on a roll and are on a win streak.

Chase Field is also along the light rail, so it makes for easy transportation if you don’t want to pay for parking. The stadium is located at Jefferson and Fourth streets.

Noah Thompson is a communication arts major. He plays on the baseball team and it’s his second year at BenU. Contact him at @Noah_Thompson@ben.edu.

Kevin Durant with Devin Booker.

Return of Kevin Durant

March 28, 2023

By Frank Johnson • Daily Ben staff writer

Phoenix Suns All Star Kevin Durant has been sidelined for the last three weeks due to an ankle injury but looks to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With the Suns sitting at just the fourth seed in a very tight Western conference, every game feels like a playoff game. The Timberwolves are the sixth seed and only 1.5 games behind the Suns.

This will not be an easy matchup, as the Timberwolves are coming off three straight road victories against three tough opponents.

Although tickets run about $50, they are more than worth it to see Kevin Durant play live. The game will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix and is accessible by light rail with a stop at Jefferson Street and First Avenue.

For tickets, visit TickPick website.

Frank Johnson is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa, and he is a frequent book reader. Contact him at frank_johnson@ben.edu.

Chase Field. Photo by Daily Ben staff member Justin Williamson.

Get ready for D-Backs’ Opening Day

Posted March 23, 2023

By Justin Williamson • Daily Ben staff writer

The Diamondbacks opening day is April 6 and they are taking on their rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team has high hopes this year as they did not make the playoffs last year.

While fans enter the stadium, they are giving out rally towels to motivate beating the Dodgers. It is a cool souvenir to keep for the 2023 season opening day.

Chase Field is in downtown Phoenix off Jefferson Street. Tickets are as low as $34 for opening day, which is a great deal for students for the experience. For tickets you can go to Seatgeek. The stadium is also on the light rail.

Two Hands Corn Dogs. Photo by Daily Ben staff member Frank Johnson.

Try the ultimate Korean hot dog experience

March 21, 2023

By Frank Johnson • Daily Ben staff writer

Hot dogs have always been one of the most popular foods in America. This classic food staple is known for being sold at sporting events or carnival/theme parks. If you are looking for a unique hot dog experience, then Two Hands Corn Dogs is the place for you.

Located at 1933 W. Main St., this restaurant offers a hot dog experience with a Korean twist. “This menu was made to tend to all ages and genders, as well as making the items available at an affordable price,” said assistant manager Byeol Kim.

One item that particularly stands out on the menu is the “Spicy Dog.” This corn dog is the highest selling item, which features a combination of their Two Hands signature spicy sauce and Hot Cheetos powder. Another popular item on the menu is called the Potato Dog, which consists of potato cubes wrapped around a corn dog, with their signature mild sauce.

This restaurant can be accessed by the light rail. Students traveling westbound from Mesa Drive and Main Street can ride the light rail down to Sycamore and Main Street for easy access to the restaurant.

For more information about the restaurant, visit the website.

Frank Johnson is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa, and he is a frequent book reader. Contact him at frank_johnson@ben.edu.

The best Asian market in town

By Frank Johnson • Daily Ben staff writer

March 2, 2023

If you are looking for an affordable place to buy groceries, then H Mart is the place for you. Originally opening its Mesa location in June of 2020, H Mart is the most notable Asian grocery chain in America. This market has a unique selection of food choices that you don’t typically see in the average store. Rare Asian food brands such as Hansang, Pulmuone, and Surasang can be found at H mart for an affordable price.

H Mart is known for being a grocery store, but they also have a food court that is located at the main entrance. This food court has many different noodle, sushi, and Korean barbecue options for a great price. Assistant manager Kim Yeong says, “This community is family orientated. Our main goal is to make both our employees and customers as comfortable as possible when they are at H Mart. Having a food court in H Mart allows us to bring our community together in a different way.”

Located at 1919 W. Main St., H Mart can be accessed by the light rail. Students traveling westbound from Mesa Drive and Main Street can ride the light rail down to Sycamore and Main Street for easy access to the market.

Frank Johnson is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa, and he is a frequent book reader. Contact him at frank_johnson@ben.edu.

Take the light rail and check out Super Bowl 57 events

By Trevor Medigovich • Daily Ben staff writer

Posted Feb. 7, 2023

As you may know this Sunday, Super Bowl LVII will be played at State Farm Stadium over in Glendale. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will be competing for the Lombardi trophy in the highly anticipated game.

Valley Metro is making it their goal this weekend to help people skip the upcoming traffic and get to all of the Super Bowl activities that are going to be held in downtown Phoenix.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, to Saturday, Feb. 11 the Super Bowl Experience will be available to check out at the Phoenix Convention Center, which includes interactive games, live music, and opportunities to get autographs from star players. The NFL Shop will also be there along with photo opportunities with the Super Bowl rings and the Lombardi trophy. More information can be found here.

There are 12 free park-and-rides and five overflowing parking lots in Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix, so getting in and out of the downtown area can be as quick and easy as possible. Valley Metro has also extended its light rail service to 2 a.m. Thursday to Sunday.

Valley Metro also is pushing riders to use the Valley Metro app so you can plan your travel in advance, track vehicles, and check alerts. The app is also the easiest way to purchase fares for the light rail, but if there is any confusion, ambassadors will be available at all light rail stations and across the system to help guide riders to their destinations.

More information about Valley Metro and this weekend can be found here, and extra information about how to navigate the light rail system can be found here.

Trevor Medigovich is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa. He is also a member of the men’s volleyball team at BenU. Contact him at trevor_medigovich@ben.edu.

The Suns play the Lakers on March 13, 2022. Photo by Daily Ben staff member Noah Thompson.

Cheap Suns tickets and Booker returns

Posted Jan. 19, 2023

By Justin Williamson • Daily Ben staff writer

After last year’s season, the Suns had high hopes to make a big run in 2023. Bad news for the Suns, as they’re on a losing streak and falling down in the division. Good news is the team is expected to return Devin Booker, the three-time all star, to get them out of this slump. More good news for BenU students is the tickets are about $27, the lowest they have been all year. Another plus for students is Footprint Center, where the Suns play in downtown Phoenix, is along the light rail. For tickets, go to Ticketmaster.

Photo by Daily Ben staff member Frank Johnson.

Among the best art in Arizona

Posted Dec. 1, 2022

By Frank Johnson • Daily Ben staff writer

The Mesa Arts Center is a unique place that displays different forms of performing and visual arts. In being the largest in the state, Mesa Arts Center holds four different theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios.

These five galleries hold a collection of art pieces that use different canvases and mediums, to show off the many talents that these artists have to offer. Not only are these art pieces on display for the public, but they are also for sale if a customer is looking to add to their own personal art collection.

The layout of the art gallery in its entirety does a great job at isolating the artist, giving them their own area where they can show off their collection of art pieces. This is a great way for visitors to admire how these artists take such different approaches to how they display their art.

In the heart of downtown Mesa at 1 E. Main St., the Mesa Arts Center is located right along the light rail, at the stop for Center and Main streets. This art exhibit is free admission for general spectators. If you would like a tour of the entire facility, it costs $5 per person. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Find more information at the center’s website.

Frank Johnson is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa, and he is a frequent book reader. Contact him at frank_johnson@ben.edu.

APS Electric Light Parade in 2021. Photo by Daily Ben staff member Noah Thompson.

APS Electric Light Parade to shine bright for holiday season

Posted Nov. 29, 2022

By Noah Thompson • Daily Ben staff writer

The APS Electric Light Parade has been going on for over three decades and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, this year. It is a parade where people decorate and put Christmas lights on floats and they drive down the street to display them. The APS Electric Light Parade brings families and communities together from all across the Valley to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. The parade route starts at 7 p.m. at Central and Montebello avenues and will end at Seventh Street and Indian School Road. To get to the parade, you can also take the Valley Metro Light Rail, which will drop you off at Central Avenue, right next to the event. For more information, go to the parade website.

Noah Thompson is a communication arts major. He plays on the baseball team and it’s his second year at BenU. Contact him at @Noah_Thompson@ben.edu.

Seen from Game 2 of the playoffs on June 9, 2021.
Photo by Daily Ben staff member Justin Williamson.

Phoenix Suns back in business

By Justin Williamson • Daily Ben staff writer

The Phoenix Suns season started back up in late October in downtown Phoenix at Footprint Center. If you are wanting to catch a game for cheap on a student budget, you can hop on the light rail for a round trip for $4. Tickets for a Suns game range from about $15 to $30.

In the 2021-2022 season, the Suns went 64-18. This was their best record all time as a program. The Suns are a favored playoff contender for this upcoming season, so the games are going to be full of energy.

This reporter attended last week’s home opener against the Dallas Mavericks. The game was electric when they came back from a 15-plus point deficit late in the fourth quarter and won, 107-105. Three-time All-Star Devin Booker and 12-time All-Star Chris Paul are exciting to watch as they try to lead the Phoenix Suns to win their first NBA Finals.

From Mesa to Tempe to Phoenix, the light rail has 38 different stops along 28.2 miles.
Photo by Daily Ben staff member Frank Johnson.

Adventures on the light rail

By Frank Johnson • Daily Ben staff writer

Posted Sept. 8, 2022

Light rail history

The Valley Metro Rail is a great form of public transportation to use when traveling through Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix. Since 2008, the 28.2 mile light rail line has provided a convenient and cost efficient way for citizens to travel safely. Tickets for the light rail are $2 for adult riders, and $1 for those under 18 years of age. An all-day pass is $4. There are 38 different stations along the light rail that travel east and west and that have train cars arriving every 20 minutes.

Tasty refreshers along the light rail in Mesa.
Photo by Daily Ben staff member Frank Johnson.

Roll Avenue Ice Cream Rolls

Located at 66 S. Dobson Road inside the Mekong Plaza in Mesa, this amazing ice cream shop has a wide variety of selections to choose from. Roll Avenue holds the title for the oldest roll ice cream company in Arizona! Originating from Thailand, this ice cream delicacy has been growing in popularity with the help of social media. Alyssa James is an employee at Roll Avenue and says, “Our natural tasting flavors is what separates us from other shops. We take pride in using natural ingredients and preparing everything in shop.” Along with ice cream, Roll Avenue also has a wide selection of natural tea options to choose from. With extreme temperatures hitting the Valley, Roll Avenue is a great place to cool off and get refreshed! Days and hours are Mondays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pioneer Park

Located at 526 E. Main St. in Mesa, Pioneer Park is a great place to explore along the light rail. This park has a wide variety of activities that are available to the public, such as basketball courts, giant slides, playgrounds, grills for family gatherings, water walls, and much more. Pioneer Park is considered the biggest park in Mesa and includes monuments from the history of Mesa throughout the property. Park Officer James Baldwin says, “This park is amazing, I see families here every weekend celebrating birthdays and other holidays. It’s plenty of space here, so everyone can spread out and enjoy themselves.” On Saturdays, there is a food truck event where people can come and explore the different food options the city has to offer. The park is open seven days a week from sunrise to 10 p.m. If you are looking to catch some sun or looking for a venue to have fun with friends and family, Pioneer Park is the place for you!

Best pool on Main Street in Mesa. Photo by Daily Ben staff member Frank Johnson.

Main Street Billiards

Located at 1749 W. Main St. in Mesa, Main Street Billiards is an old school pool hall along the light rail that also offers food and drinks. There are 36 billiard tables at this pool hall, and it also hosts competitive tournaments throughout the year. Derrick Ivey, bartender at Main Street Billiards, says, “It gets really competitive in here during tournament time. You can almost feel the tension in the room when the games are close. It amazes me that people just come here to watch sometimes.” There is a fully loaded bar for older crowds, where spectators can sit and enjoy cold beverages. There is also a modern jukebox that has a wide variety of music choices. Main Street Billiards is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturdays. If you are looking for a place to watch some competitive pool games or even play pool with some friends and family, Main Street Billiards is the way to go!

Frank Johnson is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa, and he is a frequent book reader. Contact him at frank_johnson@ben.edu.

You can take the light rail to Chase Field in downtown Phoenix.
Photo by Daily Ben staff member Justin Williamson.

Basketball, baseball and Black-owned BBQ

By Dapre Rogers • Daily Ben staff writer

Posted Sept. 16, 2022.

All-day passes for $4 on the Valley Metro light rail are perfect for our BenU on-campus living students who do not have their own means for transportation. The Valley Metro can be of significant use to our RedHawks since it is about a 5-minute walk from our dorms and Gillett Hall. The Valley Metro has 24-hour security to ensure your safety and ranges from east Mesa all the way to northwest Phoenix and has about a 5-minute wait period between each car.

The Valley Metro goes from our campus all the way west, including to downtown Phoenix, where two of our top Arizona stadiums are located: The Phoenix Suns play at Footprint Center and the Arizona Diamondbacks play at Chase Field. The Benedictine Mesa Redhawks are very much sports oriented. You can find Diamondbacks games for $5 to $20 with a student pass. You can investigate that more if you visit Daily Ben staff writer Justin Williamson’s features story.

Suns games may be slightly out of our college price range, or if sports are not your thing, Chase Field and Footprint Center also offer concerts and other events. A few artists coming up are Michael Bublé (Sept. 20), Bad Bunny (Sept. 28), Elton John (Nov. 11-12) and Zac Brown (Nov. 19).

Not only are there some great activities along the Valley Metro, but there are also some great local food spots, including Honey Bear’s BBQ at Van Buren and 50th streets in Phoenix. This small Black-owned restaurant is known for its homemade BBQ sauce and BBQ sandwich. Prices range from $4 or $5 for sides to $6 for Cajun fries to $26 for a combo meal that includes ribs. The BBQ sandwich for $6 comes stacked with meat smothered in sauce. The sandwich is very filling, but if that is not enough, you can order a side of mac and cheese for $4. This food spot has great choices in meals to be quick and on the go. It is an extremely popular spot, and you may have to wait in line around lunchtime.

Dapre Rogers is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa. He is also a member of the men’s volleyball team. You can contact him at dapre_rogers@ben.ed.

ASU and Coyotes hockey along the light rail

Posted Sept. 29, 2022

By Justin Williamson • Daily Ben staff writer

The Arizona Coyotes are making their way east, moving from Glendale to Arizona State University in Tempe. After spending 19 years at Gila River Arena, they decided to move over to Mullett Arena.

The Tempe location will be more convenient for Coyotes fans because it will be in the heart of the Valley, where all fans can make the game easier. The Coyotes and the fans hope for a better atmosphere all around with the energy that Tempe can bring.

As the Coyotes start playing, the ASU hockey team will be starting up as well, sharing the rink and playing on opposite days. The ASU team will be playing just as many games as the Coyotes.

The benefit of the Coyotes and ASU hockey being in Tempe is that BenU students can take the light rail all the way down to University Drive and Rural Road right next to the ice. Tickets for the Coyotes will range from $80 to $150 at the beginning of the year, but they should be offering student deals as they have done later in the season in the past. ASU hockey tickets range from $50 to $100. Home games for the Coyotes start Oct. 28. For the complete schedule and tickets, go to the Coyotes website. Home games for the Sun Devils start Oct. 14. For the full schedule and tickets, go to the Sun Devils website.

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